CVE-2026-20619 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS involving a logging mechanism that failed to properly redact sensitive user data. This flaw allows a local application to potentially access confidential information that should have been protected within system logs. The root cause is insufficient data redaction during logging operations, which can inadvertently expose sensitive content to unauthorized apps. The issue was addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4 and macOS Tahoe 26.3 through improved data redaction techniques. According to the CVSS v3.1 vector (5.5), the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information). No public exploits have been reported, indicating limited current exploitation but potential risk if weaponized. The vulnerability affects unspecified earlier versions of macOS prior to the patched releases. This issue highlights the importance of secure logging practices and strict data redaction to prevent leakage of sensitive information through system logs.

The primary impact of CVE-2026-20619 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data, which can lead to privacy violations, identity theft, or leakage of confidential information. Since the vulnerability allows local applications to access sensitive data without requiring privileges, it increases the risk from malicious or compromised apps running on affected macOS systems. Although the attack complexity is low, user interaction is required, which somewhat limits exploitation scope. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so it does not directly enable system compromise or denial of service. However, the exposure of sensitive data can have significant consequences for individuals and organizations, especially those handling confidential or regulated information. Organizations relying on macOS devices for critical operations or storing sensitive data may face compliance and reputational risks if this vulnerability is exploited. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks.

To mitigate CVE-2026-20619, organizations should promptly update affected macOS systems to versions Sequoia 15.7.4 or Tahoe 26.3 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Beyond patching, administrators should audit installed applications and restrict the installation of untrusted or unnecessary apps to minimize the attack surface. Implement strict application sandboxing and permission controls to limit app access to system logs and sensitive data. Monitor system logs and audit trails for unusual access patterns or attempts to read sensitive information. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behaviors related to log access. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted applications to reduce the likelihood of exploitation requiring user interaction. Regularly review and harden logging configurations to ensure sensitive data is properly redacted or encrypted. Finally, maintain an inventory of macOS devices and ensure timely deployment of security updates as part of a robust patch management process.